Laws & Rules

New Hampshire
Other

Reciprocity

Because each state’s trail system is funded and maintained by registration dollars, there is currently no reciprocity among New Hampshire and other states for OHRVs or snowmobiles, except as follows:

Snowmobile Reciprocity Weekend: Before each riding season, N.H. Fish and Game will advise as to the snowmobile reciprocity status for this weekend (typically the last weekend in January; visit ride.nh.gov for more details). This reciprocal weekend is valid only if Vermont and/or Maine continue to make their snowmobile trails open to all legally registered N.H. snowmobiles. Some states and provinces require proof of insurance and payment of a trail use fee or club membership. Call ahead for requirements and restrictions.

Stolen OHRVs or Snowmobiles

If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to your local police department immediately.

When reporting a theft and a copy of the registration is not available, the following information should be given:

Event Permits

Any person, organization or corporation who wishes to operate or promote any snowmobile or OHRV event or contest involving the use of unregistered snowmobiles or unregistered OHRVs, shall procure an event permit from the Executive Director of N.H. Fish and Game. The application for the permit shall be on an annual basis, shall include a listing of scheduled events, and shall be accompanied by an annual fee of $50.

Note: Event permits must be received in advance. For more information and an application, please visit ride.nh.gov

Alcohol/Drugs

It is illegal to operate or attempt to operate any OHRV or snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08% or .02% if less than 21 years old. Penalties for snowmobile and OHRV DWI and procedures for testing correspond with Motor Vehicle DWI. Snowmobile and OHRV operators must submit to a test or tests to determine blood alcohol concentration. Failure to consent to a test results in the loss of the operator’s driver’s license.

OHRV Speed Limits

Speed Shall Be Reasonable and Prudent for Existing Conditions.

10 MPH

Within 150 feet of a bobhouse or fishing hole.

On sidewalks that are open to OHRVs.

On bridges that are posted open to OHRVs.

At trail junctions, in parking lots and when passing trail grooming equipment.

20 MPH

On approved roads open to OHRV use.

On plowed roads on Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources property.

25 MPH

When posted on trails owned or leased by Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.

35 MPH

On all trail connectors.

At night on Back Lake in Pittsburg.

On all trails where no speed limit is posted.

55 MPH

Turtletown Pond, Concord.

Snowmobile Speed Limits

Speed Shall Be Reasonable and Prudent for Existing Conditions.

10 MPH

Within 150 feet of a bobhouse or fishing hole.

On sidewalks that are open to snowmobiles.

On bridges that are posted open to snowmobiles.

At trail junctions, in parking lots and when passing trail grooming equipment.

20 MPH

On approved roads open to snowmobile use.

On plowed roads on Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources property.

35 MPH

On all trail connectors.

At night on Back Lake in Pittsburg.

45 MPH

On all trails where no speed limit is posted.

55 MPH

Turtletown Pond, Concord.

Suspended Driver’s License Warning

It is unlawful to operate an OHRV or snowmobile while driver’s license is under suspension or revocation in any state or Canadian province.

(Pursuant to RSAs 215-A:29, XIX(a) and 215-C:49, XXI(a)

Modified Exhaust Warning

No person shall modify the manufacturer’s specified exhaust system of an OHRV or snowmobile in any manner that will increase the noise emitted above that of the original muffler.

RSA 215-C:30, 215-A:12

Wetland Warning

Riding in wetlands is against the law, and violators can be fined up to $10,000 and may be required to restore damages that result.